ANGRY staff at a Gwent hospital have hit back at claims that hygiene levels are not first rate.

They feel unfairly criticised by a Newport councillor because a soap dispenser in a ward kitchen was empty.

The Argus reported how concerned council health and safety officers made the discovery last month at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, and said that they would return to ensure that soap is available.

The findings of the inspection prompted Councillor Peter Davies, of Stow Hill ward, to say: "Not only would I not eat there, I'd never go in there to have a routine operation. Hygiene is important."

Yesterday Terry Thurgar, a hospital chef and chairman of Gwent Healthcare Unison union branch, demanded an apology.

She said: "His comments that he wouldn't come in for a routine operation really incensed me and were totally inappropriate.

"They were made without any real knowledge of the workings of the hospital.

"This wasn't in the main kitchen area and, out of 17 ward kitchens, it was just one that didn't have soap in the dispenser.

"The staff hadn't got round to replenishing it but they would have done.

"I'm not making excuses. It should've been done. But this is a drop in the ocean of all the sinks in the hospital."

Mrs Thurgar said 80 staff in the main kitchen and around 75 in ward kitchens were deeply offended by Councillor Davies' comments.

She added: "He should be campaigning for health workers. He should apologise or retract his comments.

"We are all very well aware of MRSA.We have a stringent health and hygiene policy."

Councillor Davies said: "I wouldn't dream of making an apology. If soap isn't available then the rules aren't being obeyed.